
We should probably start a new series here at RocketNews24 featuring “commercials that are bound to make you dissolve in a puddle of tears unless you’re actually an android in disguise.” In addition to Intel Japan and a Thai insurance company’s advertisements earlier this year, these tear-jerking commercials have made us break down sobbing for a third time with a new entry by music company Tosando about a father’s very special message to his daughter on her wedding day. Whether you’re a classical music buff or not, be ready with a box of tissues nearby before watching it – you’re guaranteed to let out a few sniffles at the very least.
Tosando is a company based in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture which specializes in musical instruments, books, and related goods. It also offers music lessons, which is the focus of their latest commercial. This new commercial has become a hot topic on the Japanese web as people spread the word about its heartwarming message and tear-jerking capabilities. Tosando uploaded the 3.5-minute full version of the video to YouTube for everyone to watch, so if possible grab your family and watch it together for the ultimate viewing experience.
At the start of the clip, a man named Yasuhiro Yamanaka is called forward to give a speech at his daughter Rena’s wedding reception. But instead of coming to the front of the room, Mr. Yamanaka walks over to the piano and places a picture frame on the piano before seating himself. “Your father can play?” the groom asks Rena. “No,” she replies with a puzzled expression.
▼ Rena shakes her head when her new husband asks if her father can play the piano.
▼ Mr. Yamanaka seats himself down at the piano. Note the mysterious picture frame to his right.
▼ Rena looks on in confusion
As her father begins playing Pachelbel’s Canon, Rena whispers “Stop…stop,” in her head as her eyes fill with tears. “Why does it have to be THAT song?”
▼ Rena instantly recognizes the song and her eyes brim with tears.
Suddenly, the scene switches to the past and we see a younger Rena and her father listening on as her mother plays Pachelbel’s Canon at home. The video then begins to alternate between the past and the present. The present Rena bursts into tears as her father continues playing awkwardly. “It’s too clumsy. You need to play that part softer,” she thinks. In the past, we see Rena’s mother teaching her how to play the song.
▼ Rena watching her mother play in admiration
▼ Her father’s awkward rendition of the song only makes Rena cry harder.
Next, we see a scene of an older Rena and her father returning from her mother’s funeral, and witness her leaving the house. Her father stares wistfully at the piano and a family portrait. Rena of the present again comments, “You’re so terrible at playing it.”
▼ Rena’s mother has passed away.
▼ Rena helps her father in spirit by playing from her seat
In the not-so-distant past, Mr. Yamanaka is then seen walking outside when he spots a piano classroom from the street. Before we know it, he’s inside and learning how to play himself.
▼ Mr. Yamanaka is giving his all to learn the song that was so special to his wife and daughter.
Back at the wedding reception, her father stumbles and the room is silent for a moment. “Keep trying, you can do it, Dad,” Rena urges him on in her mind. We finally see the other side of the picture frame that he placed on the piano earlier, and it turns out to be a portrait of his wife/Rena’s mother. We see one last glimpse of the whole family together in the past before the scene fades away to applause at the wedding reception. At the end, we see a simple slide with a powerful impact that reads “Music transcends words.”
▼ Rena’s mother is surely watching over them.
▼ “Music transcends words”
▼ One last look at all three members of the family together
We’ll be shocked if this touching video clip doesn’t inspire more people to take up the piano, or at least the study of some form of music in the near future. In the meantime, you’ll find us lingering at the local music school…

















Ad featuring high school girls reconnecting with each other makes us feel warm and fuzzy【Video】
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Coca-Cola Japan releasing canned Jack Daniel’s cocktails
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Are all Starbucks coffee sizes the same? Testing the viral video claim in Japan
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says